Windows 11 has swooped in with a gale of AI-powered features to woo tech enthusiasts and productivity geeks alike. It’s got something of a repertoire now, so even if you don’t have a Copilot+ PC—yes, that's Microsoft's sleek “AI-first” hardware—you can still enjoy a good chunk of its AI sorcery right now on your existing Windows machine. Heck, your device doesn’t even need one of those fancy NPUs (Neural Processing Units). As long as your computer runs Windows 11, you're golden.
Let’s break it all down—what works, what’s thrilling, and how you can get the most from your AI experience without splurging on hardware upgrades.
It isn’t all sunshine and lollipops, though. Microsoft has focused its marketing muscle on showing off Copilot+ and the features that are locked behind expensive hardware. While these highlights make for excellent demos, let’s not overlook the capabilities everyone can access—for no extra cost. Here’s a dive into the practical Windows 11 AI tools you can start playing with today.
Pro Tip: Even if you don’t use Copilot to access DALL-E, this integration in Paint keeps your workflow streamlined. Note that this feature is still rolling out in preview mode, so patience might be needed to see its visual wizardry fully unlocked.
Why It Matters: This isn’t just about work efficiency—it’s also recreational. Want Copilot to conjure up a poem, explore quirky recipes, or suggest a serenade for date night? Done.
That said, these offerings on non-Copilot PCs show that the bar is already being raised for what baseline AI should look like in modern operating systems.
Here’s your call to action: Update your Windows 11 machine if you haven’t, try out these features, and the next time someone complains about Paint being “basic,” just smile knowingly. And if you’re a Copilot skeptic (not wanting to pay for those processor perks), rejoice in what you’ve already got for free.
What do you think? Are these AI features a game changer, or just a sneak peek at bigger things to come? Sound off in the comments!
Source: TechRadar Best Windows 11 AI features that work on any computer
Let’s break it all down—what works, what’s thrilling, and how you can get the most from your AI experience without splurging on hardware upgrades.
Shaking AI Loose From the Exclusive Grip of Copilot+ PCs
Sure, AI magic such as Studio Effects for video conferencing or real-time Live Translation is the domain of Microsoft's high-end Copilot PCs, but regular users still get goodies too. Many of these features are baked into native applications like Paint, Photos, and Clipchamp. Yes, the very same apps you might’ve written off as basic have suddenly blossomed into powerful AI utilities.It isn’t all sunshine and lollipops, though. Microsoft has focused its marketing muscle on showing off Copilot+ and the features that are locked behind expensive hardware. While these highlights make for excellent demos, let’s not overlook the capabilities everyone can access—for no extra cost. Here’s a dive into the practical Windows 11 AI tools you can start playing with today.
1. Image Creator in Paint
If Bob Ross were still around, even he'd give this a nod of approval! Image Creator is an AI tool integrated into Paint, powered by OpenAI’s DALL-E model. It lets you generate images from text-based prompts, putting artistic inspiration directly at your fingertips.How it Works:
- With the preview version currently available in select regions (like the US, UK, and Germany), you may need to adjust your system’s regional setting if you're outside these countries.
- Open Paint, notice the new "Image Creator" button near the Layers tool, and feed it prompts for your artistic needs (e.g., “a futuristic cityscape at sunset”).
- You’ll get 50 credits monthly to create visuals, so plan ahead.
Pro Tip: Even if you don’t use Copilot to access DALL-E, this integration in Paint keeps your workflow streamlined. Note that this feature is still rolling out in preview mode, so patience might be needed to see its visual wizardry fully unlocked.2. One-Click Background Removal in Paint
Removing backgrounds from images used to be an arduous task reserved for Photoshop afficionados. With the Paint app on Windows 11, you can now do this in one delightful click.How it Works:
- Drop an image into Paint, and hit the "Remove Background" button beneath the Crop icon.
- The system identifies the key subject and zaps the background away. Done in seconds!
3. Background Tool in Photos
Paint’s background removal thing is great, but Photos takes it up several notches with granular control. Whether you’re editing a portrait for Instagram or tweaking family photos, this tool brings you versatility without needing third-party software.How it Works:
- Open your image in the Photos app (its default with Windows 11).
- Enter the Edit menu and enable the Background Tool (the sketch icon in the corner).
- From here, blur, remove, or change the background to fit your vision. You can even finesse masked regions using brush controls.
4. Generative Erase in Photos
Think of this as Microsoft's answer to the Google Photos Magic Eraser. It lets you effortlessly remove unwanted objects from your snaps.How it Works:
- Open an image in Photos, select “Edit,” and press the Eraser icon adorned with stars.
- Adjust the brush size, highlight the pesky object you want gone (like a photobomber or street sign), and hit erase.
5. Auto Compose in Microsoft Clipchamp
Time-pressed content creators, rejoice! Clipchamp, the surprisingly robust native video editor, comes with an Auto Compose feature that leverages AI for rapid video assembly. This tool is especially handy for basic montages, marketing videos, or creative drafts.How it Works:
- Open Clipchamp and pick “Create a video with AI.”
- Add the clips you want, choose a style, and watch AI combine them with transitions, background audio, and optional effects.
- Need more customization? You can tweak it manually or export as-is.
6. Copilot: The AI Swiss Army Knife
Microsoft Copilot is the star of the enterprise. Picture it as Clippy evolved—more generative, less nagging. From crafting project ideas to generating emails or even whipping up a rap battle, this is AI for the internet age. Whether you’re working in the Edge browser, Outlook, or deep within the Office apps, Copilot acts as a multi-tool tailored for productivity.What’s New in Copilot?
- You can now move its window anywhere on your screen, making it more flexible than the fixed sidebar it started off as.
- If your computer lacks a Copilot button, you can configure a handy keyboard shortcut. Copilot is all about opening creative doors, and it integrates deeply with other services like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and DALL-E.
Why It Matters: This isn’t just about work efficiency—it’s also recreational. Want Copilot to conjure up a poem, explore quirky recipes, or suggest a serenade for date night? Done.What’s Next for Windows 11 AI?
You’ve likely noticed a trend: Windows 11’s AI features are shifting once-basic tools into seamless hubs of creativity and productivity. Microsoft is clearly angling itself as an AI-first software company, but not everyone agrees with the strategy of tying premium features to premium hardware.That said, these offerings on non-Copilot PCs show that the bar is already being raised for what baseline AI should look like in modern operating systems.
Final Thoughts
Surprise—your “boring” Windows 11 PC might already be a dynamo of AI-driven potential. From creating professional-looking content with a few clicks to making artistic visions a reality, Microsoft has managed to democratize some serious computing power.Here’s your call to action: Update your Windows 11 machine if you haven’t, try out these features, and the next time someone complains about Paint being “basic,” just smile knowingly. And if you’re a Copilot skeptic (not wanting to pay for those processor perks), rejoice in what you’ve already got for free.
What do you think? Are these AI features a game changer, or just a sneak peek at bigger things to come? Sound off in the comments!
Source: TechRadar Best Windows 11 AI features that work on any computer
